When Hermione woke, she burrowed deeper under the covers.
It didn't take her long to remember where she was. She quickly noticed she was alone.
'Well, it wasn't a dream then,' Hermione thought groggily to herself. 'Wonder if he's off somewhere trying to forget.'
Her question was answered when the door to the room opened and Severus tip-toed in. He was wearing his yellow bathrobe and carrying breakfast.
She also noticed Crookshanks purring at the foot of the bed.
"How did you get in here?" Hermione asked him.
Crookshanks raised his head and yawned widely.
Severus groaned as he lay the tray down and got back into bed.
She certainly was bewitching, but to think he could perform like a twenty-year-old with no consequences was insane. He hadn't been this sore in years.
"What's wrong?" Hermione asked as she approached the bed with a tray for him.
"I may have over done it," said Severus, wincing as he sat up.
"Would you like a potion?" Hermione asked.
Severus shook his head. "The rest are for Anna."
"I did take healing classes my seventh year," Hermione said in an annoyed tone. "I can brew a simple healing potion."
"Third basement down. Take a right at the wine cellar," said Severus with a chuckle.
"Excuse me?" asked Hermione, somewhat taken aback.
"My laboratory," said Severus.
"Why is it all the way down there?" Hermione asked curiously.
"I was a sullen teenager," Severus said dryly. "I liked to be left alone."
"Who would have ever thought?" Hermione remarked sarcastically.
Hermione wolfed her breakfast down quickly and then looked down at herself. "I should put normal clothing on."
"I'm sure the elves wouldn't comment, if you happen to see one," Severus said suggestively.
"It will be cold in the basement," reasoned Hermione.
"Take my robe," said Severus, motioning to the yellow robe that was draped over the back of his couch.
"You just don't want me to put clothing on!" Hermione accused, her cheeks flushing.
"Yes."
He tried to cover his smirk by sipping his tea, but Hermione saw it and scowled at him.
"I was thinking about poor Charlie," said Hermione exasperatedly.
"Hermione," Severus began, reaching out and taking one of her hands in his. "Our marriage has been consummated."
Hermione stared at the back of his hand. Small black hairs dotted the back of his knuckles. She stroked them absentmindedly.
"If you want to tell people, you should," said Severus, sounding nervous. He was afraid she was going to ask for an annulment immediately.
"I don't know," said Hermione. She scooted next to him and kissed him on the neck. "If it suits me."
"I think you'd better get that potion," said Severus, feeling his body respond enthusiastically.
She did fancy him!
"I'll be back," said Hermione, kissing his cheek and hopping off the bed.
Severus lay his head back on the pillow and allowed his eyes to rest. He was married to a competent young witch that seemed to like him. It all seemed too good to be true.
Hermione returned about an hour later and handed Severus a glass tumbler with gold liquid at the bottom. He downed it.
"Very good," he said. "I would not have thought of using lemon to cut the aftertaste. What are you wearing?"
Hermione looked down at herself. She had changed into Muggle jeans, a blue cardigan and a white t-shirt. Her sneakers were poking out of the bottoms of her jeans.
"I didn't know I was required to look like a cover girl," Hermione said haughtily. "This was sensible for potions brewing."
"Indeed," said Severus, swinging his feet out of bed and stretching. He stood and leaned over to kiss her forehead. "Well, it's lovely."
While certain pure-blood wizards and witches would sneer at her clothing as being unfeminine, Severus couldn't help but appreciate the view from behind.
Especially when she bent over to scratch Crookshanks behind his ears.
"Your supplies need to be restocked," said Hermione over her shoulder. Severus shook his head as he pressed on a panel on his wall. It swung open and Hermione saw a sparse bathroom.
"Figures," said Severus, standing in front of the toilet.
Her eyes widened in shock. This married thing came with some unexpected surprises as well. Well, he certainly wasn't shy.
When he was done, he started the shower that was tucked into one corner.
"Mother has a habit of using up everything and never replacing anything. It was the only way she could get me to go out as a teenager." He sounded irritated. "She probably wanted to make sure I showed you around the city."
Hermione laughed.
"I'll go to the library and wait for you," said Hermione.
"What are we doing today?" Severus asked, a frown creasing his brow.
"Restocking your supplies," said Hermione, leaving the room with a wave.
Severus shook his head and smiled to himself as he stepped into the warm steaming water. At least he had been saddled with a sensible girl.
0
"Maybe we should have brought an interpreter," remarked Hermione as they stepped out of a fireplace and she brushed a few stray ashes from her jacket. They had appeared in what looked like a pub. It was small and dark, but it smelled like warm food and smoked wood.
"Severus!" a jolly voice called out. "Vodka?"
Hermione spied a short, stocky wizard behind the bar. He was wiping down mugs with a clean red cloth.
"On you?" asked Severus, a corner of his mouth quirking.
"Of course," said the barkeep, slamming a shot glass on the counter and pouring clear liquid into it. "Is this your new bride?"
"Yes," said Severus, pulling Hermione closer. "Hermione, this is my cousin, Yuri."
The barkeep had dark blue eyes, thick, brown curly hair, and a wide toothy smile that reminded Hermione of Pieter.
"I'm beginning to think you're related to everyone," remarked Hermione.
"Sometimes it seems like that to us as well," said Yuri, pouring Hermione vodka in a shot glass.
Hermione drank it and thanked Yuri when he handed her a piroshki in a paper pouch.
"Replenishing supplies?" Yuri asked.
"How did you guess?" Severus asked dryly.
"It's the only time you come into town," said Yuri, smiling. "Svetlana would like to see you while you're in the area."
"We'll try to stop by, then," said Severus, his smile faltering.
"Well," said Yuri. "I have drinks to serve and you have things to get. Send me an owl later."
"I'll do that," said Severus, seemingly relieved the conversation was over.
Hermione and Severus waved good-bye and walked out into Mageeya Topeek. The small, magical shopping area was crowded and bustling with Russian-speaking wizards.
"What was that about?" Hermione asked.
"Svetlana's mother was killed by the Dark Lord," said Severus uncomfortably. "She got in the way when he first appeared in the area."
"So, Yuri's a widower?" asked Hermione abruptly, stopping before she banged into Severus in front of a store with an incomprehensible sign.
Severus nodded. He opened the door for her as she finished her piroshki, and she hastily shoved the greasy paper in her pocket.
"Yuri's mother has never quite forgiven me for becoming involved in the Dark Lord's plan," Severus said. "She thinks the killing of Svetlana's mother is God's punishment for evil in the bloodline. She petitioned to have me burned the last time I came to visit."
"I'm sorry," said Hermione, truly meaning it, wondering if they were in danger.
"Master Snape!" A high reedy voice called out. To Hermione's surprise, it had an Irish lilt mixed in with the thick Russian. "How good to see you've decided to visit us instead of going to France this year!"
Severus chuckled.
Hermione was surprised at his response. Although she was getting used to the likable Severus behind closed doors, she was surprised to see it in a public arena.
A tiny man hopped off the stool he was standing on behind the counter and ran over to shake Severus' hand. He barely came to Severus' waist, and his coarse, stiff amber hair stood out in all directions. He had tried to force a green cap on top of it in a mad attempt to keep in out of his face. He wore a tan shirt, blue vest, and brown pants in a fashion that reminded Hermione of the Renaissance.
However, he was also wearing Muggle basketball shoes in a child's size, and a belt with silver studs on it.
Severus laughed out loud.
"You don't like them?" the small man asked, flashing his shoes at Hermione and smiling. "They're very comfortable."
"I bet they are," said Hermione, happy to see Muggle logic applied anywhere in the world of magic.
"Where did you get those?" Severus demanded.
"Traded for a silver cauldron," said the tiny man.
"You let a cauldron go for a pair of shoes?" Severus asked, aghast.
When Hermione told him how much money those shoes would go for in the Muggle world, he looked shocked.
"For a pair of shoes?!"
"They're very comfortable." The little man grinned. "I'm Brian," he said, holding out his hand to Hermione.
"Hello," said Hermione. "Hermione."
"Now, what are you looking for today?" the little man asked Severus, rubbing his hands together.
0
Hermione and Severus arrived home with mounds of packages heaped in their arms.
Severus convinced Hermione to leave them in the ballroom for the elves to put away.
"They're bored," Severus insisted. "It will give them something to do."
Hermione reluctantly agreed, and they went to say good-bye to Charlie. He would be returning to England to make a report to the Order.
Not to mention Molly was expecting him for dinner.
0
"But Madam, most elves are happy here. They do not want to be paid." Sloozhanka sighed as she braided Hermione's hair. The morning was clear and golden sunlight was spilling over the dressing table, making the pins and combs sparkle.
"Wouldn't you like of money for your own?" Hermione asked insistently.
"We have no need for money," said Sloozhanka, confused. "We charge to the family account."
"Not all masters are as kind as yours are," Hermione pointed out, quite surprised at the elves' answer.
"I agree," said Sloozhanka. "Cherv has a cousin that had a terrible family."
"I know his cousin," said Hermione. "And I agree, the Malfoys are horrible."
"Since Cherv's cousin has been freed and works for a wage, does that mean he can take time off as well?" asked Sloozhanka innocently.
"I suppose," said Hermione slowly. "The summer holidays are in full swing. I can't imagine he has a lot to do."
"Perhaps he could come for a holiday," suggested Sloozhanka in a way that made Hermione think it was an order.
"That's kind of you, for never having met him," said Hermione suspiciously.
Sloozhanka tried to look nonchalant, but blushed.
"Spill." Hermione demanded.
"What has spilled?" Sloozhanka, looking on the ground.
"I'm sorry," said Hermione, embarrassed. "It's a term for telling me what is on your mind." She felt rather stupid.
"I hear Dobby comes from very good breeding stock," said Sloozhanka.
"Ah," said Hermione. She began to wonder what house-elf courtships involved. "He is a very good person. I know nothing of his parentage."
She wasn't sure she agreed with the joining of anyone for purposes of creating more efficient slaves at all, although if both parents were freed, the child would be born free, wouldn't they?
Suddenly, there was a scratching at Hermione's bedroom window. She looked up to see a small white beast waiting for her on her windowsill.
"What on earth is that?" Hermione exclaimed as Sloozhanka hopped off her stool to open the window.
"Snow dragon," said Sloozhanka. "Very rare. Someone interesting wants to communicate with you."
The elf struggled with the latch on the window before she pointed her wand at it, and it opened easily.
"Could Dobby have a wand if he came to visit?" Hermione asked, suddenly getting an idea.
"Of course, he could," said Sloozhanka as the little dragon leapt into the room and padded across the floor to Hermione on four feet.
He was the size of a bread box, and to Hermione's shock, covered in white downy feathers. His feet looked like large dog paws, and he walked like a canine although his face looked serpentine.
"You are a funny-looking little guy," she said, reaching for the tube bound around his neck.
"Looked in the mirror lately?" said the dragon in a high, reedy voice as he looked at her half-braided hair critically. His large amber eyes blinked at her.
Hermione froze in shock. Not only did she encounter a creature she had never seen before, it was intelligent, and she had perhaps offended it.
The dragon made a strange clicking sound, and by the way Hermione assessed his movements, she suspected he was laughing at her.
"I'm sorry," said Hermione. "I need to learn manners, it appears." She flushed a deep red.
"You have never seen one of my kind," said the dragon. "Your apology is accepted if you manage to fix my ear tuft." He swiped at his head with one of his legs.
"What happened?" Hermione asked, sliding to the floor and sitting near the small creature.
"It started itching somewhere near Stockholm," complained the dragon.
Sloozhanka frowned at the dragon and marched across the floor to it. She pointed her wand and said something in a mixture of Latin and Russian that Hermione didn't understand.
Hermione scooted back suddenly as a long, slender, electric blue worm was magically pulled from the dragon's ear tuft.
"What is that?" she squeaked, horrified.
"Parasite," said Sloozhanka. "Perhaps the master can make use of it in his laboratory."
The small elf left the room, and Hermione was left with the dragon that was shaking his head as if to rid itself of the feeling the parasite had given him.
"What a first impression," the dragon muttered to himself. Hermione thought he sounded embarrassed.
"We're even now," said Hermione, reaching out to scratch the head of the dragon. She gently unbuckled the tube bound around his neck.
She wasn't surprised to see a sparkling blue envelope fall out.
Hermione,
Your home has been added to our transport network, so you can just use your fireplace to transport yourself to the Bibliotheque oo Amazon.
We realize it is short notice, but we would like you to join us this afternoon around three, your time.
Alexandra
"Short notice," said Hermione sighing. "That's only a few hours away."
Severus walked into Hermione's bedroom and looked taken aback at the dragon's presence.
"Hail, fellow," said Severus. "Let's get a look at that ear."
The dragon sniffed the air in the direction of Severus and padded over to him.
Severus sank to his knees and scratched the dragon's head gently.
"Which tuft did it come from?" said Severus.
"The right one," said the dragon. Severus carefully parted the fine, downy feathers and looked at the small puncture wound left by the parasite. He frowned.
"Do you need to return immediately?" Severus asked.
"Why?" The dragon looked suspicious.
"It looks as if it has laid eggs," said Severus, sounding sorry for him. "They need to be removed carefully. If you need to return, I suggest you go by Floo."
"I don't think I will be reprimanded if I do not return immediately, as long as the sisters know where I am," said the dragon.
"What was that thing?" Hermione asked.
"Parasites that leech magic," Severus said. "Very dangerous. I can remove them, but it will take some time."
"Well, I think that's a very good reason to stay put," said Hermione, repulsed. "It sounds frightening."
"They aren't deadly if you catch them early," said Severus. "I shall write a letter to the Amazons telling them where he is, unless you want to tell them," he said, looking at the opened envelope.
"I'm sure that would be fine," said Hermione. She watched as Sloozhanka returned and led the little dragon out of the room, patting him supportively on his back. "I'm supposed to see them this afternoon."
"Excellent," said Severus. "I'm going to meet with Pieter. We can catch up at dinner."
"Perfect," said Hermione, relieved last-minute plans were going smoothly.
0
Sophia looked at Hermione, her face full of concern.
"I wonder where he picked it up," Alexandra said nervously.
"He said somewhere near Stockholm," said Hermione.
Alexandra and Sophia exchanged quick glances as a soft knock sounded at the door.
They were once again sitting in Sophia's office, although it was much cleaner than the last time she had visited. A young witch that appeared to be Hermione's age brought in their tea. She looked like Alexandra, though her hair was thick and golden blonde, cascading almost to the back of her knees.
"This is my youngest daughter, Kari," said Sophia. "Her military training will be completed at the end of the summer." Sophia beamed proudly.
"Congratulations," said Hermione.
"She's half a decade early," explained Alexandra proudly. "Our little prodigy."
"How long is training?" asked Hermione, surprised.
"Usually two decades," Sophia said. "Incredible, considering her parentage."
"We're not sure who my father is," said Kari, matter-of-factly. "Mother was assaulted during the last war."
"I'm sorry," said Hermione to both Sophia and Kari. She didn't quite know what to say.
"It was years ago, a few moments of time, and I daresay we all recovered," said Sophia stiffly, patting Kari on the arm as she poured the tea. "I got a beautiful, brilliant daughter out of it."
Hermione got the impression Sophia had been repeating that to Kari since she was a child.
"How are Amazons usually born?" Hermione blurted out before she could stop herself.
"Well, a witch and wizard get together and do a kind of special hugging-," began Alexandra, her eyes twinkling as she reached for her tea. Kari burst out laughing.
"Naughty girls," Sophia admonished, half-heartedly. "You know what she means."
"Usually we get a volunteer from the Brotherhood that is willing to create a child," explained Alexandra. "We keep the girls and they keep the boys."
Hermione couldn't imagine being raised in an enclave of only one sex and brought up to see men as only sperm donors. She glanced at Alexandra.
"That's not how Alexandra was born," said Kari, practically swooning and batting her eyelashes dramatically. "Mother was in love with her father."
"That was a long time ago," said Sophia gently. "I made my choice to stay here."
Hermione saw the flash of pain across Sophia's face when Alexandra's father was mentioned.
"You would have been miserable in England," said Alexandra.
Sophia shrugged and sipped at her tea, but she seemed to be shooting warning glances at her daughter, who didn't seem to notice.
"Have you gone to England?" asked Hermione conversationally.
"No, but I'd like to," said Alexandra proudly. "He's a great wizard."
"Maybe I know your father," mused Hermione, thinking of all the Wizards she knew.
"I know you do," said Alexandra before her mother stopped her. "He's Albus Dumbledore."
0
"How did your meeting go?" asked Severus as they sat at the small table in the kitchen in the Snape mansion.
"It was very… informative," said Hermione, reaching for a piece of steak and kidney pie. She was relieved the elves had prepared a British meal. All this foreign food was good, but not nearly as satisfying as food she was familiar with.
The elves had gone back to their den for the night, and a small fire was crackling merrily in the hearth. They had no other light, but the small fire was enough to lend a golden glow to the kitchen.
"That was the idea," said Severus, annoyed. "Feel like sharing any of it with me."
Hermione hesitated and reached for her glass of water. "Well, we did go over some old scrolls, but nothing seemed to fit."
Severus looked at her, and she felt his eyes piercing her skin and looking directly into her brain.
"Do you ever use Legilimency on me?" asked Hermione suddenly.
"No. Not unless you think I need to." Severus frowned.
"Does Dumbledore know he has a daughter?" Hermione blurted out.
"I beg your pardon?" said Severus, completely taken aback.
Hermione relayed the events during tea.
"This girl claims to be Dumbledore's daughter," said Severus, folding his arms across his chest and leaning back in his chair. "It can be proven with testing, of course, but it might be a trap to lure him here."
"Why would the Amazons want to lure him here?" asked Hermione. "I don't think Sophia had any intention of telling him."
Severus frowned. "How old does the girl look?"
"Mid-thirties?" Hermione guessed, pushing her now empty plate away. "You can't tell with witches up here with their lotions and potions. Your mother looks like she's twenty-five."
"I know how messy this might make things, but it's very important he knows."
"Why?" asked Hermione.
Severus frowned. "I thought you would see it as your moral duty to tell Dumbledore."
"Initially, yes," wibbled Hermione. "Sophia has already raised Alexandra, and although she has kept up with her fathers' exploits, she didn't seem all that motivated to seek him out. Dumbledore has enough to worry about right now."
"It's more complicated than that," insisted Severus, shaking his head impatiently. "If a powerful dark wizard gained access to this girl, he could use her blood to magically track and kill Dumbledore. He needs to be informed immediately."
"What!?" Hermione gasped. "How?"
"Why do you think bloodlines are so important to wizards?" He sounded exasperated.
"I assumed it was left over from long ago," said Hermione weakly. "Like the Muggle noble families."
"It's not just societal," said Severus. "There is a science to everything we do, although it seems backwards at times. I'm sorry, Hermione, we're going to have to tell him. We have no choice. They should have obliviated you when they had the chance."
Severus rose from his chair and kissed Hermione on the forehead.
"I will inform the Headmaster," said Severus as he rose to his feet. "Have Cherv show you where my special books are. They will explain better than I can."